Critical Threat was the gutsy, upset winner in the tenth race at Keeneland earlier this evening. He broke well and was in the lead group in fourth position between horses going down the back stretch. He went into the turn in fourth along the rail. With no running room to the inside, he kicked out coming out of the turn. He hit the top of the lane in fifth position and still lacking running room. He and escape room bumped each other as they turned for home. It was just enough to give Critical Threat an opening. While this was going on, Outlier put away the pair of colts on the rail and looked as though he might give the field the slip. Critical Threat made up a two-length deficit inside the final sixteenth and got up to win by 3/4 of a length.
Garcia told Brendan after the race he knew he had the race won on the back stretch as long as he got running room. He was really happy with how Critical Threat responded when asked as well as how he handled the traffic. Brendan felt like the race was much easier for him than it may have looked.
Critical Threat paid $61.60, $23.20 and $9.60.
Critical Threat Wins Debut at Keeneland – October 10, 2020 from Pocket Aces Racing on Vimeo.
